FeatureAbility Amplified
Volume 03, Issue 34
Monday, 31 October 2011 13:26
At first glance, Javed Tak would seem like a man with a disability, a man who has resigned himself to a life of pity and regrets. Arshid Dar reports on how this man refused to settle for societal labels, and created a life for himself, inspiring others in the process.
The scars of a wounded Kashmir run deep. Two decades of conflict in Kashmir have deeply affected the lives of people, their health, economic status, access to education and work. Such adversity often brings out the best or the worst in people. Javed Ahmed Tak, however, turned his adversity into ambition.
On the intervening night of 21 and 22 March 1997, Tak, 21, was injured and maimed in a shootout by unidentified gunmen in his relative’s home. “Bullets pierced through his spinal cord, liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen and intestines,” says his brother. “His right kidney, spleen, part of his liver and intestines were removed.” The spine surgery he underwent did not change much, and he was left paraplegic and bed-ridden for over three years.
After a period of severe depression, Tak started free tuitions for poor children in addition to pursuing his own studies. “He kept himself busy tutoring children of his locality for hours,” says his father. “That helped him overcome his depression and trauma to some extent.”
Tak enjoyed teaching and wanted to pursue it further. He enrolled for two distance education certificate courses through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)—Human Rights and Computing. As he gradually gained more confidence, Tak began working for the rights of the physically and mentally challenged.
“For the poor and disabled in my locality, life is quite difficult and miserable,” says Tak. “Disabled people mostly depend on social security. There are no provisions for them to be gainfully employed and live with dignity. So, I decided to make a living on my own.”
Tak studied Social Work at Kashmir University. While he was a student there, his struggles compelled university authorities to place ramps at the entrance of seven buildings—including hostels, the administrative block and the examination block. “Javed has that enthusiasm and positive energy that usually people born with disabilities lack—because of the societal stigma that they have to carry with them all their lives,” says Shaheel Mohammad, Coordinator for the Special Cell for Physically Challenged at University of Kashmir, and Tak’s friend.
When Tak completed his degree in Social Work, he began working for welfare and rights of disabled people. In addition to seeking support from community leaders, Tak filed public interest litigations in J&K High Court. The PIL led to the government services recruitment board to implement reservations for the physically challenged. “We wish we could get our due so that we could prove ourselves as real contributors in the development of our state. But there are constant obstacles in the road towards our empowerment, and that is hampering the integration of disabled people into mainstream society,” Tak explains. “Even for a 4th class appointment, the basic criterion is Matric pass—regardless of if one is normal or disabled. How can we expect empowerment in such a situation,” Tak complains.
Tak established “HELPLINE-Humanity Welfare Organization,” a center for people with special needs, including those affected by militancy in 2003. His persistent efforts and struggles made it possible for him to create the organization, with the help of the students he would tutor for free. Despite having no background in such affairs, they came together with the common desire to serve poor children. They started collecting used books, uniforms, and stationery. Finally, the group worked for disability issues, as their mentor—Tak—was disabled.
“The amount he received as ex-gratia relief against his disability was spent on the first activities of the organization. Today, the group is registered under the Registrar of Societies in Srinagar,” says SajadTak, project holder and Javed’s brother. “We advocate the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. So far, we have succeeded in filing a PIL in the J&K High Court, which resulted in formulating the policy for physically challenged, and provision of 3 percent reservations in employment and education. Scholarships for academic and professional courses were all included in the policy. We organize workshops on child rights, disability rights and women empowerment,” he adds.
What started as the only organization in Jammu and Kashmir catering to people with special needs has blossomed into an umbrella organization supporting several causes.
Among the first missions of the Humanity Welfare Organization was running a computer center for the poor, physically challenged and orphaned individuals for Rs.100, and free of cost for those below the poverty line and those orphaned due to militancy. “We started with a single computer, and today we operate a complete lab with 14 computers and certifications from DOACC and NCPUL,” says AadilVaid, project coordinator for the cell.
Additionally, the HWO operates Samanbal, a women’s center in Anantnag, in collaboration with WISCOMP. Samanbal provides education and computer literacy to girls from families that live below the poverty line and empowers them to face life’s challenges.
With all the optimism Javed could muster, he carried on, but life was never easy. In 2006, he started raising funds for the rehabilitation of disabled people. He received around Rs. 17000 in the first years, which later grew to Rs. 1.5 lakh a year. Tak established a special school called the ZaibaAapa Institute of Inclusive Education, in 2007. All expenses came from his ex-gratia relief.The school is the first of its kind in the rural areas, where 40 disabled children from this area are provided education completely free of cost. “We have a vision of making it an inclusive school, where everyone can benefit,” says Tak.
Today the school’s education system includes the Braille system of education and vocational training. “The school was first started with only visually impaired children, and later on children suffering from hearing impairments, orthopedic impairments and mental retardation were added,” says Musarat Andrabi, principal of the special school.
“All of this started in 1997, when Saima, a girl with partial vision, dropped out of a school. After rapidly losing her vision, her parents gave up on her education,” says Feroze Bhat, rehabilitation therapist and Braille expert at the school. But now, Saima, who studies in 5th standard, says she enjoys her studies. “Now I can teach others Braille,” she says proudly.
Three buildings make up the school in this small town. A few changes like constructing ramps have been made for the benefit of differently-abled children. “We are fully supported by public donations. We are paying an annual rent of over one lakh rupees, fuel expenses of about one and a half lakh, and salary for the staff from the collections,” says Sajad Tak. “When the school started gaining popularity, a Delhi-based NGO called CRY (Child Relief and You) helped them with Rs. 7 lakh every year. This accounts for the salary of the project and other expenses for events that we hold,” he added.
“We run classes and even take care of the special needs of these children,” says the school principal. “We have engaged physiotherapists, rehabilitation therapists, vocational trainers, sign language and Braille experts for the school. We also take the services of a computer instructor, music instructor and other part-time faculty.”
“The specially-needed equipment for this type of school includes simulation phsyio balls, sprints and weight cuffs,” says SaimaNarchor, a physiotherapist at the school.
“Currently, we are providing transport facilities to the kids so we can pick them up and drop them home from school, as most parents are not willing to invest in a child who is differently-abled,” says FerozeBhat. “We have vans donated by the Indian Navy and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for this purpose.”
The Governor of the State presented Helen Keller Awards-2011 to a hearing impaired student, IrtizaNisar, for excelling in academics, and to a special instructor of the Institute, Feroz Ahmad Bhat, for his outstanding contribution in imparting Braille education to the physically challenged children. The Governor also presented a cheque of one lakh rupees to the Zaiba Appa Institute of Inclusive Education towards the education of the physically challenged children
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls.
White cane
A symbol of freedom for blind
By Javed Ahmad Tak
White Cane Day is observed world-wide to recognize the movement of blind people from dependency to full participation in society.
The white cane stands as a recognized symbol of blindness and as a symbol affirming the right of blind people to exercise the same rights and responsibilities as others. While the white cane has liberated blind people, allowing them to travel safely and independently, the blind will only achieve full liberation when the public learns to view blind people as having the ability to work and live as others in society.
At one time blind people faced lives of isolation and dependency. The opportunity for an education, employment, and social integration were rare and beyond the expectation of most blind people.
Accordingly, society and blind people themselves learned to view blindness as representing helplessness and dependency on their families or on the charity of the community. Fortunately, today opportunities for blind people are much better than in the recent past. Increasingly, blind people are finding that with access to specialized skills and materials, they can compete in education and in employment and participate fully in all aspects of community life.
Many things have contributed to the improved condition of blind people, but perhaps two advances stand out as having brought about primary change. First is the ability to read and write. In the early 1800's, Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman, developed the system of reading by touch that enabled blind people to become literate and with that ability came the chance to acquire an education and to prepare for meaningful employment. But an education can only lead to employment if the blind person is able to travel independently and safely from his or her home to his or her job. Likewise, community integration requires the blind person to move from place to place without reliance on friends or family.
As far back as recorded time, blind people have used some form of cane or stick to assist them in moving safely in familiar and unfamiliar places. Still the people with blindness use these conventional sticks for their mobility in rural areas. The ability to travel independently by use of a white cane is basic to a blind person's confidence and ability to live a normal, productive life.
Mastery of the white cane gives blind people freedom and confidence. At its most basic level, the cane provides a clear path and alerts the blind person to drop-offs, such as curbs and steps, and to the presence of obstacles. Of course, good travel skills include much more than simply the ability to find a safe path.
Given proper training, the blind person acquires skills and strategies to gather information in the environment, to find his or her way in familiar and unfamiliar places. By use of the white cane, the individual is able to travel safely in buildings, shopping centres, and throughout his or her neighbourhood. Using traffic sounds blind people can cross streets with traffic lights.
Blind people also regularly use public transportation such as buses and subways. Of course, blind people often ask directions from others, however, it is generally not necessary to lead blind people from place to place. Perhaps the best advice is to take the lead of the blind person. If the blind person requires help, he or she will ask and will appreciate the assistance. As a practical tool, the cane is unprecedented in its contribution to the freedom of blind people.
In some places the white cane is accented with a red stripe at the top or bottom of the cane, but the red coloured tip is not necessary or standard throughout the world.
There is a tendency to view Braille and the white cane as nothing more than tools. Of course, they are tools--important tools, however their value is much greater than the granting of literacy and the freedom to move throughout the community. In a very real sense, Braille and the white cane are symbols of the fundamental equality of blind people and their ability to live full lives as contributing members of society.
Rather than being limited to lives of dependency and isolation, blind people today live productive lives, raising families participating in community life and working in a wide range of responsible jobs.
October 15, White Cane Day, marks not only the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets, but it is also intended to highlight for the public the movement of blind people from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people.
Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind people and the sighted public to come together in support of the movement of blind people toward full integration.
Blind people do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind people seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside sighted people in their communities.
We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is thinner. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities for the blind people. Mostly these blind people are dependent on the so called social security schemes that is Rs 400/- given to kinds of disable people through Social Welfare department.
On this observance of White Cane Day, we the differently able people, ask that all humans need to recognize the contributions blind people have made and ask that you join with us to open new and greater opportunities for blind people. We ask this not as an act of charity, but as an act of human rights, recognizing that all people should have the right and the opportunity to contribute and live a full and normal life.
According to Census 2001 Jammu and Kashmir has a population of 302,670 of persons with disabilities. Out of this population 2, 08,713 had disability in seeing. Still we see a few persons using the white cane and visible on roads or doing normal routine work. Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls. There is not a single school in the state to impart Braille education to the blind. Therefore blind people are forced to live a life of isolation and desperation. Today government of J&K needs to wake up and show seriousness in the matter. We have talented persons with blindness in our state. Their talents need to be explored and utilised. So that they are productive part of our society.
The author is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO Bijbehara Kashmir)
A symbol of freedom for blind
By Javed Ahmad Tak
White Cane Day is observed world-wide to recognize the movement of blind people from dependency to full participation in society.
The white cane stands as a recognized symbol of blindness and as a symbol affirming the right of blind people to exercise the same rights and responsibilities as others. While the white cane has liberated blind people, allowing them to travel safely and independently, the blind will only achieve full liberation when the public learns to view blind people as having the ability to work and live as others in society.
At one time blind people faced lives of isolation and dependency. The opportunity for an education, employment, and social integration were rare and beyond the expectation of most blind people.
Accordingly, society and blind people themselves learned to view blindness as representing helplessness and dependency on their families or on the charity of the community. Fortunately, today opportunities for blind people are much better than in the recent past. Increasingly, blind people are finding that with access to specialized skills and materials, they can compete in education and in employment and participate fully in all aspects of community life.
Many things have contributed to the improved condition of blind people, but perhaps two advances stand out as having brought about primary change. First is the ability to read and write. In the early 1800's, Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman, developed the system of reading by touch that enabled blind people to become literate and with that ability came the chance to acquire an education and to prepare for meaningful employment. But an education can only lead to employment if the blind person is able to travel independently and safely from his or her home to his or her job. Likewise, community integration requires the blind person to move from place to place without reliance on friends or family.
As far back as recorded time, blind people have used some form of cane or stick to assist them in moving safely in familiar and unfamiliar places. Still the people with blindness use these conventional sticks for their mobility in rural areas. The ability to travel independently by use of a white cane is basic to a blind person's confidence and ability to live a normal, productive life.
Mastery of the white cane gives blind people freedom and confidence. At its most basic level, the cane provides a clear path and alerts the blind person to drop-offs, such as curbs and steps, and to the presence of obstacles. Of course, good travel skills include much more than simply the ability to find a safe path.
Given proper training, the blind person acquires skills and strategies to gather information in the environment, to find his or her way in familiar and unfamiliar places. By use of the white cane, the individual is able to travel safely in buildings, shopping centres, and throughout his or her neighbourhood. Using traffic sounds blind people can cross streets with traffic lights.
Blind people also regularly use public transportation such as buses and subways. Of course, blind people often ask directions from others, however, it is generally not necessary to lead blind people from place to place. Perhaps the best advice is to take the lead of the blind person. If the blind person requires help, he or she will ask and will appreciate the assistance. As a practical tool, the cane is unprecedented in its contribution to the freedom of blind people.
In some places the white cane is accented with a red stripe at the top or bottom of the cane, but the red coloured tip is not necessary or standard throughout the world.
There is a tendency to view Braille and the white cane as nothing more than tools. Of course, they are tools--important tools, however their value is much greater than the granting of literacy and the freedom to move throughout the community. In a very real sense, Braille and the white cane are symbols of the fundamental equality of blind people and their ability to live full lives as contributing members of society.
Rather than being limited to lives of dependency and isolation, blind people today live productive lives, raising families participating in community life and working in a wide range of responsible jobs.
October 15, White Cane Day, marks not only the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets, but it is also intended to highlight for the public the movement of blind people from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people.
Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind people and the sighted public to come together in support of the movement of blind people toward full integration.
Blind people do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind people seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside sighted people in their communities.
We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is thinner. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities for the blind people. Mostly these blind people are dependent on the so called social security schemes that is Rs 400/- given to kinds of disable people through Social Welfare department.
On this observance of White Cane Day, we the differently able people, ask that all humans need to recognize the contributions blind people have made and ask that you join with us to open new and greater opportunities for blind people. We ask this not as an act of charity, but as an act of human rights, recognizing that all people should have the right and the opportunity to contribute and live a full and normal life.
According to Census 2001 Jammu and Kashmir has a population of 302,670 of persons with disabilities. Out of this population 2, 08,713 had disability in seeing. Still we see a few persons using the white cane and visible on roads or doing normal routine work. Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls. There is not a single school in the state to impart Braille education to the blind. Therefore blind people are forced to live a life of isolation and desperation. Today government of J&K needs to wake up and show seriousness in the matter. We have talented persons with blindness in our state. Their talents need to be explored and utilised. So that they are productive part of our society.
The author is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO Bijbehara Kashmir)
White Cane Day
White Cane Day
They don't let blindness come in their way
OCTOBER 15 BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Today marks the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets. This day also highlights the progress of blind from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people. Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind and people with normal vision to come together in support of the movement toward full integration.Visually impaired do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside others in their communities. We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is needed. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities. Mostly they are dependent on the so called social security schemes which fetch them nothing more than Rs 400/- which can't fulfill their needs.
On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. Eric is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. Eric's achievement is symbolic of the desire of blind people throughout the world to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
In the same way Tariq Bashir a blind person from Andoora Shangus of district Anantnag completed Masters in History and qualified Kashmir Civil services (Prelims) exams but he was not allowed to take the facility of scribe in (Mains). Still Tariq didn’t gave up and qualified 10+2 Screening test and got through the interview conducted by JK Public Service Commission and got appointed as Lecturer History in School Education Department. Tariq is presently posted in District Institute of Education and Trainings Anantnag and is successfully working there.
Such individuals can become an example for others. On this day we salute the courage of such men and women who don't let disability come in their way to successs.
(Javed Ahmad Tak is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO)
They don't let blindness come in their way
OCTOBER 15 BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Today marks the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets. This day also highlights the progress of blind from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people. Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind and people with normal vision to come together in support of the movement toward full integration.Visually impaired do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside others in their communities. We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is needed. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities. Mostly they are dependent on the so called social security schemes which fetch them nothing more than Rs 400/- which can't fulfill their needs.
On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. Eric is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. Eric's achievement is symbolic of the desire of blind people throughout the world to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
In the same way Tariq Bashir a blind person from Andoora Shangus of district Anantnag completed Masters in History and qualified Kashmir Civil services (Prelims) exams but he was not allowed to take the facility of scribe in (Mains). Still Tariq didn’t gave up and qualified 10+2 Screening test and got through the interview conducted by JK Public Service Commission and got appointed as Lecturer History in School Education Department. Tariq is presently posted in District Institute of Education and Trainings Anantnag and is successfully working there.
Such individuals can become an example for others. On this day we salute the courage of such men and women who don't let disability come in their way to successs.
(Javed Ahmad Tak is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO)
Disability Rights
http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/helping-hand-18908.aspx
Helping hand
Monday, 05 Dec 2011 at 12:220
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents. Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma. Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities.
Helping hand
Monday, 05 Dec 2011 at 12:220
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents. Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma. Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities.
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“
Kashmir’s Disabled Lament Apathy
Despite an Act, no support coming
Zahid Maqbool
Srinagar: On the world disabled day, differently-able people in Kashmir are fighting for the basic rights amid the lack of implementation of J&K disabilities act laws from government and as well partial behavior from general public.
The J&K persons with Disability Act 1998 guarantees equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation has failed to empower people with disabilities because of negligence from successive regimes.“We had thought that it would help us now, but unfortunately it has hardly decreased our miseries. No one cares for us. Even after passing of more than 10 years law is not implemented” said Javed Ahmed Tak, Chairman,Humanity welfare organization Helpline an NGO.
The persons with disabilities also alleged that there is no provision or proper arrangement for education of their kind.“There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the state board and the universities in our state. There is no faculty for sign interpretation in our lone school for these children”. Tak said.
Talking about the discrimination of disabled children with other normal students in examinations he said, “Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete with the normal students. No extra time is given to students for answering the questions. Even in some cases where helper is allowed, no extra time is given to students.”
The differently-able people have even accused corporate houses of discrimination in employment and lack of provision in facilitating the movement of these people while constructing corporate buildings.
“There is no facility for facilitating our entry in corporate offices. I will give you an example of central corporate office of banks. I cannot go inside the building on my wheel chair. It is not only me, if tomorrow they will employ someone like me , how he will go up with it every day. There are no special software’s for Braille in ATM’s” .
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“Last time I went to an office for some official work. The officer told his subordinate to give him ten rupees.” I felt very bad. They think everyone on wheel chair is a beggar”
The Indian railways have barrier free entry in trains and railways stations but in Kashmir they have failed to provide so.
“We cannot go inside the train with wheel chair. It is not possible for us. As the entry is constructed in such a way that it becomes impossible for us to go inside” said, Hilal Mir.
Despite an Act, no support coming
Zahid Maqbool
Srinagar: On the world disabled day, differently-able people in Kashmir are fighting for the basic rights amid the lack of implementation of J&K disabilities act laws from government and as well partial behavior from general public.
The J&K persons with Disability Act 1998 guarantees equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation has failed to empower people with disabilities because of negligence from successive regimes.“We had thought that it would help us now, but unfortunately it has hardly decreased our miseries. No one cares for us. Even after passing of more than 10 years law is not implemented” said Javed Ahmed Tak, Chairman,Humanity welfare organization Helpline an NGO.
The persons with disabilities also alleged that there is no provision or proper arrangement for education of their kind.“There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the state board and the universities in our state. There is no faculty for sign interpretation in our lone school for these children”. Tak said.
Talking about the discrimination of disabled children with other normal students in examinations he said, “Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete with the normal students. No extra time is given to students for answering the questions. Even in some cases where helper is allowed, no extra time is given to students.”
The differently-able people have even accused corporate houses of discrimination in employment and lack of provision in facilitating the movement of these people while constructing corporate buildings.
“There is no facility for facilitating our entry in corporate offices. I will give you an example of central corporate office of banks. I cannot go inside the building on my wheel chair. It is not only me, if tomorrow they will employ someone like me , how he will go up with it every day. There are no special software’s for Braille in ATM’s” .
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“Last time I went to an office for some official work. The officer told his subordinate to give him ten rupees.” I felt very bad. They think everyone on wheel chair is a beggar”
The Indian railways have barrier free entry in trains and railways stations but in Kashmir they have failed to provide so.
“We cannot go inside the train with wheel chair. It is not possible for us. As the entry is constructed in such a way that it becomes impossible for us to go inside” said, Hilal Mir.
Disable people need to be included and not Excluded
Helping Hand
(Editorial in the Greater Kashmir)
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents.
Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma.
Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities
(Editorial in the Greater Kashmir)
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents.
Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma.
Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Children with Disabilities not considered as children in Kashmir
'No facilities for special children in Kashmir'
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
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Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
Children with Disabilities not considered as children in Kashmir
'No facilities for special children in Kashmir'
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
We too are Humans, Protect our Rights
‘Implement JK Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 in letter and spirit’
GK NEWS NETWORK
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Srinagar, Dec 1: Differently abled persons from Kashmir on Thursday demanded that the Government should implement Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 in letter and spirit as they continue to suffer for want of implementation of the Act in the state.
“ We want implementation of Persons with Disability Act 1998 in letter and spirit. We do not need the meagre amount of Rs 400 as monthly pension but employment and education which is our basic right,” said Javed Ahmad Tak, honorary chairman Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara.
He was speaking on the inauguration of the weeklong programmes in connection with the World Disability Day at SKICC here.
Highlighting the problems faced by differently-abled persons, Tariq Bashir, a visually impaired person, working as lecturer DIET Anantnag highlighted the problems faced by visually impaired persons in day to day life, Dildar Ahmad Shapoo, a spinal injured person, bound to wheel chair highlighted the problems faced by severe persons with disabilities particularly problems faced by wheel chair users.
Minister of Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo said lot needs to be done for the real empowerment of physically challenged persons of the Valley. “There is great need for the conduct of door to door census in order to know the accurate figures of persons with disabilities in the state, as there has been greater increase in disability due to turmoil in the valley, ” said Itoo.
A statement issued Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara said that the minister directed for special employment of two young women with severe disability in social welfare department.
She assured that amendment will be brought in the Govt. Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 through Cabinet so that all eligible persons with disabilities get jobs through recruiting agencies, the statement added.
Director CRC and Director social Welfare Hilal Ahmad Parray acknowledged the problems faced by differently abled persons and stressed for the need of ISSS pension to be increased and assured the implementation of Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998, the statement said.
Principal and sessions Judge Srinagar Kaneez Fatima donated five wheel chairs to the differently abled persons on spot in the memory of her son Late Sajid Iqbal Khanday.
Director SKICC Dr Gulam Nabi Qasba announced that an access audit will be conducted in SKICC soon to make it completely disable friendly.
Mementos were presented to Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Divisional commissioner Kashmir for creating assebility in Div Com office. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo, Special assistant to Minister for Social Welfare for giving special attention to disability issues in J&K, Sajid Iqbal (posthumously) for being a helper of disable people (Kaneez Fatima received the memento.) Chowkidar Andoora Shangus –Khursheed, Janna Begum – Anganwadi Worker Arwani Bijbehara and Fahmeeda female multipurpose worker wopzan Bijbehara were awarded with special mementos for their contribution in disability sector in the villages of Anantnag district.
The programme was supported by Ahad Hotels and resorts Srinagar.
Adil Rashid gave vote of thanks on behalf of the organization.
GK NEWS NETWORK
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Dec 1: Differently abled persons from Kashmir on Thursday demanded that the Government should implement Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 in letter and spirit as they continue to suffer for want of implementation of the Act in the state.
“ We want implementation of Persons with Disability Act 1998 in letter and spirit. We do not need the meagre amount of Rs 400 as monthly pension but employment and education which is our basic right,” said Javed Ahmad Tak, honorary chairman Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara.
He was speaking on the inauguration of the weeklong programmes in connection with the World Disability Day at SKICC here.
Highlighting the problems faced by differently-abled persons, Tariq Bashir, a visually impaired person, working as lecturer DIET Anantnag highlighted the problems faced by visually impaired persons in day to day life, Dildar Ahmad Shapoo, a spinal injured person, bound to wheel chair highlighted the problems faced by severe persons with disabilities particularly problems faced by wheel chair users.
Minister of Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo said lot needs to be done for the real empowerment of physically challenged persons of the Valley. “There is great need for the conduct of door to door census in order to know the accurate figures of persons with disabilities in the state, as there has been greater increase in disability due to turmoil in the valley, ” said Itoo.
A statement issued Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara said that the minister directed for special employment of two young women with severe disability in social welfare department.
She assured that amendment will be brought in the Govt. Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 through Cabinet so that all eligible persons with disabilities get jobs through recruiting agencies, the statement added.
Director CRC and Director social Welfare Hilal Ahmad Parray acknowledged the problems faced by differently abled persons and stressed for the need of ISSS pension to be increased and assured the implementation of Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998, the statement said.
Principal and sessions Judge Srinagar Kaneez Fatima donated five wheel chairs to the differently abled persons on spot in the memory of her son Late Sajid Iqbal Khanday.
Director SKICC Dr Gulam Nabi Qasba announced that an access audit will be conducted in SKICC soon to make it completely disable friendly.
Mementos were presented to Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Divisional commissioner Kashmir for creating assebility in Div Com office. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Itoo, Special assistant to Minister for Social Welfare for giving special attention to disability issues in J&K, Sajid Iqbal (posthumously) for being a helper of disable people (Kaneez Fatima received the memento.) Chowkidar Andoora Shangus –Khursheed, Janna Begum – Anganwadi Worker Arwani Bijbehara and Fahmeeda female multipurpose worker wopzan Bijbehara were awarded with special mementos for their contribution in disability sector in the villages of Anantnag district.
The programme was supported by Ahad Hotels and resorts Srinagar.
Adil Rashid gave vote of thanks on behalf of the organization.
My Will power is my Sight
World disability week Visually impaired Tariq qualified KAS prelims; not allowed to appear in mains
published 12/5/2011 10:10:00 PM by D S AHMAD
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SRINAGAR, Dec 5: He was born blind but his blindness did not dampen his spirit to pursue his education and make the dream of his parents come true. Tariq Bashir Khan, hailing from a remote village of Shangus area in Anantnag was visually impaired by birth and with the passage of time he lost complete eyesight but taking it as his fate he continued his studies with out losing his spirit.
“Though I faced many difficulties during my studies but I never let my will and strength die. Till 9th class the problem was not so severe but in class10th I lost complete eyesight, forcing me to bid goodbye to studies for five years,” Tariq said. Tariq had a passion for higher studies but the loss of eyesight left no ray of hope in him and he would keep sitting at home all the time.
“However one day I played the radio where a blind person who had achieved great success in his life was being interviewed. On listening how he had struggled hard to achieve his goal, I was inspired and I decided to carry on my studies,” Said Tariq.
Braving all the difficulties, Tariq says, he passed both the matriculation and 12th in first division. “In matriculation exams the state board authorities were first reluctant to grant me permission for a scribe who could write on my answer paper but later they were convinced, however in 12th class examination the board officials with out doubting my competency granted permission for a scribe as all their doubts with regard to same had been put to rest earlier while supervising my matriculation exams,” recalls Tariq.
After secondary education Tariq appeared in the entrance test for post graduation in Kashmir University and qualified the same. “In 2009 I completed my PG in history and appeared in the entrance test for M.Phil which I topped but could not complete it as I got selected as a lecturer last year for which I had applied soon after the completion of PG,” Tariq said.
Tariq did not adopt any brail method blind people are taught through but used a tape recorder as an aid to learn and remember things. “I would always keep a tape recorder with me in class room and record the lectures presented by the teachers and lecturers. Then I would listen to it repeatedly and in examination hall dictate it to my scribe,” Tariq said, when asked about the method he adopted during his studies.
The story of Tariq’s success does not end here. He even qualified the civil services prelims but the authorities later shattered his career by not allowing him to appear in the mains for the “sin of being blind.”
“Last year I qualified the KAS prelims for which I was provided a scribe by the authorities. But when I came to final examination (mains) they refused to provide me the same saying there is no such provision for the mains. I pleaded before the concerned officials but they did not listen,” Tariq said.
Tariq also laments the place of his posting as a lecturer which is 25 km away from his home. “Though there is a rule that a person with severe disability should not be posted more than five kilometres from his home. But after my selection the officials concerned, without bothering about my blindness, posted me at DIET Anantnag, 25 kms away from my residence. I pleaded before them for some convenient posting but they told me that you cannot teach the students in Higher Secondary school which was really painful,” laments Tariq.
Though Tariq is satisfied with what he has achieved but the discriminatory attitude towards the disabled on part of the government pains him all the times. “With the help of God I have achieved what was beyond my imagination. My parents wanted me to be an educated person and their dream has come true. But the authorities did not allow me to appear in the high profile exams on grounds of my being disabled. This is something what pains me every time,” says Tariq.
published 12/5/2011 10:10:00 PM by D S AHMAD
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SRINAGAR, Dec 5: He was born blind but his blindness did not dampen his spirit to pursue his education and make the dream of his parents come true. Tariq Bashir Khan, hailing from a remote village of Shangus area in Anantnag was visually impaired by birth and with the passage of time he lost complete eyesight but taking it as his fate he continued his studies with out losing his spirit.
“Though I faced many difficulties during my studies but I never let my will and strength die. Till 9th class the problem was not so severe but in class10th I lost complete eyesight, forcing me to bid goodbye to studies for five years,” Tariq said. Tariq had a passion for higher studies but the loss of eyesight left no ray of hope in him and he would keep sitting at home all the time.
“However one day I played the radio where a blind person who had achieved great success in his life was being interviewed. On listening how he had struggled hard to achieve his goal, I was inspired and I decided to carry on my studies,” Said Tariq.
Braving all the difficulties, Tariq says, he passed both the matriculation and 12th in first division. “In matriculation exams the state board authorities were first reluctant to grant me permission for a scribe who could write on my answer paper but later they were convinced, however in 12th class examination the board officials with out doubting my competency granted permission for a scribe as all their doubts with regard to same had been put to rest earlier while supervising my matriculation exams,” recalls Tariq.
After secondary education Tariq appeared in the entrance test for post graduation in Kashmir University and qualified the same. “In 2009 I completed my PG in history and appeared in the entrance test for M.Phil which I topped but could not complete it as I got selected as a lecturer last year for which I had applied soon after the completion of PG,” Tariq said.
Tariq did not adopt any brail method blind people are taught through but used a tape recorder as an aid to learn and remember things. “I would always keep a tape recorder with me in class room and record the lectures presented by the teachers and lecturers. Then I would listen to it repeatedly and in examination hall dictate it to my scribe,” Tariq said, when asked about the method he adopted during his studies.
The story of Tariq’s success does not end here. He even qualified the civil services prelims but the authorities later shattered his career by not allowing him to appear in the mains for the “sin of being blind.”
“Last year I qualified the KAS prelims for which I was provided a scribe by the authorities. But when I came to final examination (mains) they refused to provide me the same saying there is no such provision for the mains. I pleaded before the concerned officials but they did not listen,” Tariq said.
Tariq also laments the place of his posting as a lecturer which is 25 km away from his home. “Though there is a rule that a person with severe disability should not be posted more than five kilometres from his home. But after my selection the officials concerned, without bothering about my blindness, posted me at DIET Anantnag, 25 kms away from my residence. I pleaded before them for some convenient posting but they told me that you cannot teach the students in Higher Secondary school which was really painful,” laments Tariq.
Though Tariq is satisfied with what he has achieved but the discriminatory attitude towards the disabled on part of the government pains him all the times. “With the help of God I have achieved what was beyond my imagination. My parents wanted me to be an educated person and their dream has come true. But the authorities did not allow me to appear in the high profile exams on grounds of my being disabled. This is something what pains me every time,” says Tariq.
Yasmeena is Blind by Eyes But Sighted by Heart
Visually impaired Yasmeena singly supports her family Published:12/12/2011 1:00:00 PM Updated: 12/12/2011 10:49:26 AM By: SANA ALTAF Filed Under: srinagar
SRINAGAR, Dec 12: Yasmeena’s eyes have not seen the world since years yet she can knit colourful woolens. She has no education but supports her family comfortably. There is no one to care of her or look after her, but Yasmeena has given many a smile to her family.
Despite being visually impaired for more than 25 years, Yasmeena solely supports her old mother. Resident of Anantnag district, Yasmeena has traveled all across Kashmir and also outside Kashmir.
“I never wanted to make my blindness my hurdle. I have overcome it and don’t feel that I am not normal,” says Yasmeena, 38 year old.
Yasmeena was not born with blindness but developed some visual disorders from childhood.
“I had 50 percent visual disorder and could not see properly. I went through lot of treatment for it, but it didn’t help. My condition worsened after my eye surgery failed,” said Yasmeena.
Yasmeena gradually lost her eyesight completely and was forced to abandon her studies.
“I was not able to purse my studies beyond 8th standard.” All day Yasmeena would sit home, idle.
“It frustrated me. I felt I am being a burden on my mother,” said Yasmeena
Yasmeena has not seen her father who passed away when she was 45 days old. Yasmeena’s mother singly brought up her five children.
“We were all toddlers when my father passed away. My mother worked hard to support us and get all my siblings married.”
But soon, Yasmeena’s two brothers also left the family, leaving Yasmeena and her mother alone.
“Mother would do household work and I would sit all day,” Yasmeena adds.
Yasmeena took to knitting after her cousin gave the suggestion.
“My cousin asked me to start knitting only to pass time. So I tried and started knitting small things for my nephew and niece,” says Yasmeena.
For four years, Yasmeena continued her knitting for passing time.
“But one day I went to buy wool. There I came to know that hand knitted woolens were also being sold. I asked the shopkeepers if he would take my hand knit woolens, to which he agreed,” says Yasmeena.
To show her worth, Yasmeena would knit day and night to complete woolens sweaters for infants.
“The shopkeeper was happy to see my work, though it had errors. He started giving me orders, even though for one year I made mistakes in designs.”
Yasmeena gradually gained consistency and overcome all her knitting errors to perfection.
Today Yasmeena can knit woolens for adults and children of all colours and designs.
“I am not dependant on anyone now. I earn more than Rs 2000 per month which is enough to support my mother and me,” Yasmeena says.
She also sends gifts and hand made woolens to her nephews and niece
“They all love me a lot. I keep sending those gifts. It makes me happy,” says Yasmeena, who is unmarried.
SRINAGAR, Dec 12: Yasmeena’s eyes have not seen the world since years yet she can knit colourful woolens. She has no education but supports her family comfortably. There is no one to care of her or look after her, but Yasmeena has given many a smile to her family.
Despite being visually impaired for more than 25 years, Yasmeena solely supports her old mother. Resident of Anantnag district, Yasmeena has traveled all across Kashmir and also outside Kashmir.
“I never wanted to make my blindness my hurdle. I have overcome it and don’t feel that I am not normal,” says Yasmeena, 38 year old.
Yasmeena was not born with blindness but developed some visual disorders from childhood.
“I had 50 percent visual disorder and could not see properly. I went through lot of treatment for it, but it didn’t help. My condition worsened after my eye surgery failed,” said Yasmeena.
Yasmeena gradually lost her eyesight completely and was forced to abandon her studies.
“I was not able to purse my studies beyond 8th standard.” All day Yasmeena would sit home, idle.
“It frustrated me. I felt I am being a burden on my mother,” said Yasmeena
Yasmeena has not seen her father who passed away when she was 45 days old. Yasmeena’s mother singly brought up her five children.
“We were all toddlers when my father passed away. My mother worked hard to support us and get all my siblings married.”
But soon, Yasmeena’s two brothers also left the family, leaving Yasmeena and her mother alone.
“Mother would do household work and I would sit all day,” Yasmeena adds.
Yasmeena took to knitting after her cousin gave the suggestion.
“My cousin asked me to start knitting only to pass time. So I tried and started knitting small things for my nephew and niece,” says Yasmeena.
For four years, Yasmeena continued her knitting for passing time.
“But one day I went to buy wool. There I came to know that hand knitted woolens were also being sold. I asked the shopkeepers if he would take my hand knit woolens, to which he agreed,” says Yasmeena.
To show her worth, Yasmeena would knit day and night to complete woolens sweaters for infants.
“The shopkeeper was happy to see my work, though it had errors. He started giving me orders, even though for one year I made mistakes in designs.”
Yasmeena gradually gained consistency and overcome all her knitting errors to perfection.
Today Yasmeena can knit woolens for adults and children of all colours and designs.
“I am not dependant on anyone now. I earn more than Rs 2000 per month which is enough to support my mother and me,” Yasmeena says.
She also sends gifts and hand made woolens to her nephews and niece
“They all love me a lot. I keep sending those gifts. It makes me happy,” says Yasmeena, who is unmarried.
World Disability Day 2011
Disabled and Disadvantaged
WE ARE FORCED TO LAMENT, PROTEST AND OBSERVE THIS DAY AS A BLACK DAY
WORLD DISABLED DAY BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Most of us think that the Physically Challenged persons are less fortunate and have less exposure to the world; it is not true. God has compensated their disability with some of the sharpest instincts. That is why some call us Differently Abled.
Persons with disabilities are discriminated at all levels in the society. This is because the charity model of disability has been adopted by the stake holders all around the country for the so called empowerment of the persons with disabilities. This country has ratified UN – Convention for the Rights of the persons with disabilities and vigorous process is on to replace the existing Disability Act – 1995 (Equal opportunities, Protection of the Rights and full participation) and amend National Trust Act – 1999, Rehabilitation Council of India Act – 1992 and Mental Health Act – 1987. All these Acts have one mandate - to remove discrimination and create inclusive society. But at gross-roots level things are quite contrary to all this.
Persons with disabilities are facing intense discrimination at all levels including education, employment, accessibility, and living independently in the community. There is social stigma stuck to severe disabilities, forcing such persons to live a dependent life. Anyhow handful of persons with disabilities, become successful in overcoming immense challenges.
There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in our state in comparison to many other states in the country. Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete in the normal schooling standards and examinations with the normal students with the same time available for normal students with good health. Almost all severe physically challenged students face painful conditions but they are bound to ignore the pain and face the exams with others. There is no special provision to accommodate students with loco-motor disabilities to take examination or attend classes .
Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain Degrees.
But at the time of employing the persons with disabilities the discrimination happens. The Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 Dated: 23-03-2001, has made us really handicapped. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identifies teacher post for the Deaf, Mute, Blind, and for other severely disabled but here in our state such persons are dropped from the list with the only plea that the post of teacher has not been identified for them. It is very unfortunate that persons with either upper or both lower limb disabilities are not considered for any post here by the SSRB due to above mentioned circular.
Even officials with severe disabilities, like IAS and KAS officers, who are blind or have no upper or lower limbs have proved themselves fully capable. We have such cases to prove the point. Mr. Khursheed Malik served the state in capacity of Secretary in different departments on a wheel. He created a lasting impressions in the hearts of common people by serving the state with full dedication and honesty. Mr. Riyaz Beigh is serving the state as KAS officer. He has no upper working limbs, still he has been serving the people of state with dedication, commitment and dignity. In the same context Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Budran Budgam, working as teacher at Middle School in Kandhama, Beerwa, Budgam has been serving the masses like any other able bodied person. Mr. Tariq Bashir working as 10+2 lecturer in District Institute of Education and Training, Khanabal, Islamabad, was in the first attempt dropped as he applied for the post of teacher through SSRB. But later he was selected as 10+2 lecturer in History subject in the higher education department and is now posted at DIET Islamabad. He has changed the history and removed the stigma that blind people cannot teach.
Keeping such role models in view the above mentioned circular makes least sense. We are confused about the selection criteria formulated by the state in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities in J&K state. In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment .
On eve of this World Disability Day, Social Welfare Department needs to do some brain breaking on these issues.
Persons with disabilities spend more on their education and maintenance of life than normal people do. Because persons with severe disabilities, mainly using wheel chair, blind and dependent on crutches and other aids and appliance for their mobility can’t reach school and other places using normal transport. They have to spend a lot of time and money. Sometimes harsh climatic conditions keep them confined to home and they are unable to continue schooling. So they need additional tuitions to compete with other students. Sometimes a disabled student is 100% crippled thus fully dependent on high support needs. Like Mr. Waseem Feroz Matoo, whose mother carried him to the school and back home every time, from Nursery to class 8th. But even after completing B.A, B.Ed he was dropped from the Budgam teacher list with the only plea that his legs are disabled.
In 2010 a historic decision was passed by the double Bench in Apex Court (the Honorable Supreme Court of India) in case of Syed Bashir ud Din Qadri V/S State of J&K. Syed Bashir has been working as teacher in the Middle School Kanjinag, Awantipora in Pulwama District under Rehbar-e -Taleem scheme. He was disengaged on grounds that he is not using his arms and is not able to take food himself and cannot use the black board. But the honorable Supreme Court of India considered it as the severe case of discrimination under Article 22 of the JK persons with Disabilities Act 1998, guaranteeing equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation. Thus Orders were passed to reinstate syed Bashir who is presently working as teacher in the Kanjinag school .
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for persons with disabilities, under ministry of Labor and employment was established in premises of Government Polytechnic College, Srinagar, on September 14, 2005. So far only 50 candidates with disabilities were registered for different trades. 25 of the registered candidates completed the courses and rest were dropped. The budget spent in lakhs could only empower 25 candidates. (Information Sought under RTI application reply under No: F.No: VRC-(SN) 11025/01/07/672 Dated: 17/10/2011.)
National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation NHFDC is another institution established at national level for providing opportunities of generating livelihood for the youth with disabilities across the country. In other states persons with disabilities enjoy loan facilities from the institution and are doing their business independently to live a life with dignity. But our state through the J&K SC/ST/OBC Corporation as the channeling agency for NHFDC has created another record. This year applications received from disabled people have been ignored, not a single person was covered so far. Out of allocated Rs. 52.00 Lacs not a single penny has been released for our state due to state’s lenient approach towards the matter. Thus again the scheme is failure in J&K. (information sought under reply of RTI application under No: SCSTBC/corp./RTI Act/2011/2155-56. Dated 01/11/2011).
National Planning Commission has declared 3% budget allocations in the 11th five year plan for the benefit of persons with disabilities through all departments. But as per information sought under RTI applications nothing special has been allocated by Company Affairs and Public Distribution Department and Department of Science and Technology J&K government ( under RTI reply No: CAPD/Plan/RTI/36/2001 Dated 17/11/2011 & No:- ST/Adm/61/2011 Dated: 18/11/2011. Other 6 Ministries/ Departments of J&K state viz Health, Education, Finance, Higher Education, asked for same information have failed to respond so far. )
Country has recently started process for harmonizing disability law 1995 with the UN – convention on Rights of persons with disabilities but the state is still discriminating with persons with mental retardation, autism, mental illness and multiple disabilities by not bringing National Trust Act 1999. Members of Legislative Assembly and Council should look into these voids; why best Acts of country are not adopted.
The corporate sector in J&K is also neglecting persons with disabilities. Apart from inaccessible websites all banks have inaccessible banking system for persons with disabilities. No ATM in our state is accessible to severely disabled people. Job reservation is not given to persons with disabilities in corporate sector.
A huge number of people visit civil secretariat but the persons using wheel chairs are asked by the security to call official whom we want to meet there. We are treated indifferently by the security there. Is it possible for all officials to give their contact numbers to the disabled people and would all officials make it easier for us to meet them in the offices. I personally wrote about the problem to the Honorable Chief Minister’s grievance cell; but, who cares?
We are forced to lament, protest and observe this day as a black day.
Author is a social activist, and Honorary Chairman, Humanity Welfare Organisation HEPLINE NGO, J&K. Feedback at jsocialactivist@gmail.com.
WE ARE FORCED TO LAMENT, PROTEST AND OBSERVE THIS DAY AS A BLACK DAY
WORLD DISABLED DAY BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Most of us think that the Physically Challenged persons are less fortunate and have less exposure to the world; it is not true. God has compensated their disability with some of the sharpest instincts. That is why some call us Differently Abled.
Persons with disabilities are discriminated at all levels in the society. This is because the charity model of disability has been adopted by the stake holders all around the country for the so called empowerment of the persons with disabilities. This country has ratified UN – Convention for the Rights of the persons with disabilities and vigorous process is on to replace the existing Disability Act – 1995 (Equal opportunities, Protection of the Rights and full participation) and amend National Trust Act – 1999, Rehabilitation Council of India Act – 1992 and Mental Health Act – 1987. All these Acts have one mandate - to remove discrimination and create inclusive society. But at gross-roots level things are quite contrary to all this.
Persons with disabilities are facing intense discrimination at all levels including education, employment, accessibility, and living independently in the community. There is social stigma stuck to severe disabilities, forcing such persons to live a dependent life. Anyhow handful of persons with disabilities, become successful in overcoming immense challenges.
There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in our state in comparison to many other states in the country. Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete in the normal schooling standards and examinations with the normal students with the same time available for normal students with good health. Almost all severe physically challenged students face painful conditions but they are bound to ignore the pain and face the exams with others. There is no special provision to accommodate students with loco-motor disabilities to take examination or attend classes .
Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain Degrees.
But at the time of employing the persons with disabilities the discrimination happens. The Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 Dated: 23-03-2001, has made us really handicapped. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identifies teacher post for the Deaf, Mute, Blind, and for other severely disabled but here in our state such persons are dropped from the list with the only plea that the post of teacher has not been identified for them. It is very unfortunate that persons with either upper or both lower limb disabilities are not considered for any post here by the SSRB due to above mentioned circular.
Even officials with severe disabilities, like IAS and KAS officers, who are blind or have no upper or lower limbs have proved themselves fully capable. We have such cases to prove the point. Mr. Khursheed Malik served the state in capacity of Secretary in different departments on a wheel. He created a lasting impressions in the hearts of common people by serving the state with full dedication and honesty. Mr. Riyaz Beigh is serving the state as KAS officer. He has no upper working limbs, still he has been serving the people of state with dedication, commitment and dignity. In the same context Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Budran Budgam, working as teacher at Middle School in Kandhama, Beerwa, Budgam has been serving the masses like any other able bodied person. Mr. Tariq Bashir working as 10+2 lecturer in District Institute of Education and Training, Khanabal, Islamabad, was in the first attempt dropped as he applied for the post of teacher through SSRB. But later he was selected as 10+2 lecturer in History subject in the higher education department and is now posted at DIET Islamabad. He has changed the history and removed the stigma that blind people cannot teach.
Keeping such role models in view the above mentioned circular makes least sense. We are confused about the selection criteria formulated by the state in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities in J&K state. In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment .
On eve of this World Disability Day, Social Welfare Department needs to do some brain breaking on these issues.
Persons with disabilities spend more on their education and maintenance of life than normal people do. Because persons with severe disabilities, mainly using wheel chair, blind and dependent on crutches and other aids and appliance for their mobility can’t reach school and other places using normal transport. They have to spend a lot of time and money. Sometimes harsh climatic conditions keep them confined to home and they are unable to continue schooling. So they need additional tuitions to compete with other students. Sometimes a disabled student is 100% crippled thus fully dependent on high support needs. Like Mr. Waseem Feroz Matoo, whose mother carried him to the school and back home every time, from Nursery to class 8th. But even after completing B.A, B.Ed he was dropped from the Budgam teacher list with the only plea that his legs are disabled.
In 2010 a historic decision was passed by the double Bench in Apex Court (the Honorable Supreme Court of India) in case of Syed Bashir ud Din Qadri V/S State of J&K. Syed Bashir has been working as teacher in the Middle School Kanjinag, Awantipora in Pulwama District under Rehbar-e -Taleem scheme. He was disengaged on grounds that he is not using his arms and is not able to take food himself and cannot use the black board. But the honorable Supreme Court of India considered it as the severe case of discrimination under Article 22 of the JK persons with Disabilities Act 1998, guaranteeing equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation. Thus Orders were passed to reinstate syed Bashir who is presently working as teacher in the Kanjinag school .
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for persons with disabilities, under ministry of Labor and employment was established in premises of Government Polytechnic College, Srinagar, on September 14, 2005. So far only 50 candidates with disabilities were registered for different trades. 25 of the registered candidates completed the courses and rest were dropped. The budget spent in lakhs could only empower 25 candidates. (Information Sought under RTI application reply under No: F.No: VRC-(SN) 11025/01/07/672 Dated: 17/10/2011.)
National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation NHFDC is another institution established at national level for providing opportunities of generating livelihood for the youth with disabilities across the country. In other states persons with disabilities enjoy loan facilities from the institution and are doing their business independently to live a life with dignity. But our state through the J&K SC/ST/OBC Corporation as the channeling agency for NHFDC has created another record. This year applications received from disabled people have been ignored, not a single person was covered so far. Out of allocated Rs. 52.00 Lacs not a single penny has been released for our state due to state’s lenient approach towards the matter. Thus again the scheme is failure in J&K. (information sought under reply of RTI application under No: SCSTBC/corp./RTI Act/2011/2155-56. Dated 01/11/2011).
National Planning Commission has declared 3% budget allocations in the 11th five year plan for the benefit of persons with disabilities through all departments. But as per information sought under RTI applications nothing special has been allocated by Company Affairs and Public Distribution Department and Department of Science and Technology J&K government ( under RTI reply No: CAPD/Plan/RTI/36/2001 Dated 17/11/2011 & No:- ST/Adm/61/2011 Dated: 18/11/2011. Other 6 Ministries/ Departments of J&K state viz Health, Education, Finance, Higher Education, asked for same information have failed to respond so far. )
Country has recently started process for harmonizing disability law 1995 with the UN – convention on Rights of persons with disabilities but the state is still discriminating with persons with mental retardation, autism, mental illness and multiple disabilities by not bringing National Trust Act 1999. Members of Legislative Assembly and Council should look into these voids; why best Acts of country are not adopted.
The corporate sector in J&K is also neglecting persons with disabilities. Apart from inaccessible websites all banks have inaccessible banking system for persons with disabilities. No ATM in our state is accessible to severely disabled people. Job reservation is not given to persons with disabilities in corporate sector.
A huge number of people visit civil secretariat but the persons using wheel chairs are asked by the security to call official whom we want to meet there. We are treated indifferently by the security there. Is it possible for all officials to give their contact numbers to the disabled people and would all officials make it easier for us to meet them in the offices. I personally wrote about the problem to the Honorable Chief Minister’s grievance cell; but, who cares?
We are forced to lament, protest and observe this day as a black day.
Author is a social activist, and Honorary Chairman, Humanity Welfare Organisation HEPLINE NGO, J&K. Feedback at jsocialactivist@gmail.com.
World Disability Day 2011
Disabled and Disadvantaged
WE ARE FORCED TO LAMENT, PROTEST AND OBSERVE THIS DAY AS A BLACK DAY
WORLD DISABLED DAY BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Most of us think that the Physically Challenged persons are less fortunate and have less exposure to the world; it is not true. God has compensated their disability with some of the sharpest instincts. That is why some call us Differently Abled.
Persons with disabilities are discriminated at all levels in the society. This is because the charity model of disability has been adopted by the stake holders all around the country for the so called empowerment of the persons with disabilities. This country has ratified UN – Convention for the Rights of the persons with disabilities and vigorous process is on to replace the existing Disability Act – 1995 (Equal opportunities, Protection of the Rights and full participation) and amend National Trust Act – 1999, Rehabilitation Council of India Act – 1992 and Mental Health Act – 1987. All these Acts have one mandate - to remove discrimination and create inclusive society. But at gross-roots level things are quite contrary to all this.
Persons with disabilities are facing intense discrimination at all levels including education, employment, accessibility, and living independently in the community. There is social stigma stuck to severe disabilities, forcing such persons to live a dependent life. Anyhow handful of persons with disabilities, become successful in overcoming immense challenges.
There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in our state in comparison to many other states in the country. Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete in the normal schooling standards and examinations with the normal students with the same time available for normal students with good health. Almost all severe physically challenged students face painful conditions but they are bound to ignore the pain and face the exams with others. There is no special provision to accommodate students with loco-motor disabilities to take examination or attend classes .
Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain Degrees.
But at the time of employing the persons with disabilities the discrimination happens. The Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 Dated: 23-03-2001, has made us really handicapped. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identifies teacher post for the Deaf, Mute, Blind, and for other severely disabled but here in our state such persons are dropped from the list with the only plea that the post of teacher has not been identified for them. It is very unfortunate that persons with either upper or both lower limb disabilities are not considered for any post here by the SSRB due to above mentioned circular.
Even officials with severe disabilities, like IAS and KAS officers, who are blind or have no upper or lower limbs have proved themselves fully capable. We have such cases to prove the point. Mr. Khursheed Malik served the state in capacity of Secretary in different departments on a wheel. He created a lasting impressions in the hearts of common people by serving the state with full dedication and honesty. Mr. Riyaz Beigh is serving the state as KAS officer. He has no upper working limbs, still he has been serving the people of state with dedication, commitment and dignity. In the same context Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Budran Budgam, working as teacher at Middle School in Kandhama, Beerwa, Budgam has been serving the masses like any other able bodied person. Mr. Tariq Bashir working as 10+2 lecturer in District Institute of Education and Training, Khanabal, Islamabad, was in the first attempt dropped as he applied for the post of teacher through SSRB. But later he was selected as 10+2 lecturer in History subject in the higher education department and is now posted at DIET Islamabad. He has changed the history and removed the stigma that blind people cannot teach.
Keeping such role models in view the above mentioned circular makes least sense. We are confused about the selection criteria formulated by the state in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities in J&K state. In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment .
On eve of this World Disability Day, Social Welfare Department needs to do some brain breaking on these issues.
Persons with disabilities spend more on their education and maintenance of life than normal people do. Because persons with severe disabilities, mainly using wheel chair, blind and dependent on crutches and other aids and appliance for their mobility can’t reach school and other places using normal transport. They have to spend a lot of time and money. Sometimes harsh climatic conditions keep them confined to home and they are unable to continue schooling. So they need additional tuitions to compete with other students. Sometimes a disabled student is 100% crippled thus fully dependent on high support needs. Like Mr. Waseem Feroz Matoo, whose mother carried him to the school and back home every time, from Nursery to class 8th. But even after completing B.A, B.Ed he was dropped from the Budgam teacher list with the only plea that his legs are disabled.
In 2010 a historic decision was passed by the double Bench in Apex Court (the Honorable Supreme Court of India) in case of Syed Bashir ud Din Qadri V/S State of J&K. Syed Bashir has been working as teacher in the Middle School Kanjinag, Awantipora in Pulwama District under Rehbar-e -Taleem scheme. He was disengaged on grounds that he is not using his arms and is not able to take food himself and cannot use the black board. But the honorable Supreme Court of India considered it as the severe case of discrimination under Article 22 of the JK persons with Disabilities Act 1998, guaranteeing equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation. Thus Orders were passed to reinstate syed Bashir who is presently working as teacher in the Kanjinag school .
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for persons with disabilities, under ministry of Labor and employment was established in premises of Government Polytechnic College, Srinagar, on September 14, 2005. So far only 50 candidates with disabilities were registered for different trades. 25 of the registered candidates completed the courses and rest were dropped. The budget spent in lakhs could only empower 25 candidates. (Information Sought under RTI application reply under No: F.No: VRC-(SN) 11025/01/07/672 Dated: 17/10/2011.)
National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation NHFDC is another institution established at national level for providing opportunities of generating livelihood for the youth with disabilities across the country. In other states persons with disabilities enjoy loan facilities from the institution and are doing their business independently to live a life with dignity. But our state through the J&K SC/ST/OBC Corporation as the channeling agency for NHFDC has created another record. This year applications received from disabled people have been ignored, not a single person was covered so far. Out of allocated Rs. 52.00 Lacs not a single penny has been released for our state due to state’s lenient approach towards the matter. Thus again the scheme is failure in J&K. (information sought under reply of RTI application under No: SCSTBC/corp./RTI Act/2011/2155-56. Dated 01/11/2011).
National Planning Commission has declared 3% budget allocations in the 11th five year plan for the benefit of persons with disabilities through all departments. But as per information sought under RTI applications nothing special has been allocated by Company Affairs and Public Distribution Department and Department of Science and Technology J&K government ( under RTI reply No: CAPD/Plan/RTI/36/2001 Dated 17/11/2011 & No:- ST/Adm/61/2011 Dated: 18/11/2011. Other 6 Ministries/ Departments of J&K state viz Health, Education, Finance, Higher Education, asked for same information have failed to respond so far. )
Country has recently started process for harmonizing disability law 1995 with the UN – convention on Rights of persons with disabilities but the state is still discriminating with persons with mental retardation, autism, mental illness and multiple disabilities by not bringing National Trust Act 1999. Members of Legislative Assembly and Council should look into these voids; why best Acts of country are not adopted.
The corporate sector in J&K is also neglecting persons with disabilities. Apart from inaccessible websites all banks have inaccessible banking system for persons with disabilities. No ATM in our state is accessible to severely disabled people. Job reservation is not given to persons with disabilities in corporate sector.
A huge number of people visit civil secretariat but the persons using wheel chairs are asked by the security to call official whom we want to meet there. We are treated indifferently by the security there. Is it possible for all officials to give their contact numbers to the disabled people and would all officials make it easier for us to meet them in the offices. I personally wrote about the problem to the Honorable Chief Minister’s grievance cell; but, who cares?
We are forced to lament, protest and observe this day as a black day.
Author is a social activist, and Honorary Chairman, Humanity Welfare Organisation HEPLINE NGO, J&K. Feedback at jsocialactivist@gmail.com.
WE ARE FORCED TO LAMENT, PROTEST AND OBSERVE THIS DAY AS A BLACK DAY
WORLD DISABLED DAY BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Most of us think that the Physically Challenged persons are less fortunate and have less exposure to the world; it is not true. God has compensated their disability with some of the sharpest instincts. That is why some call us Differently Abled.
Persons with disabilities are discriminated at all levels in the society. This is because the charity model of disability has been adopted by the stake holders all around the country for the so called empowerment of the persons with disabilities. This country has ratified UN – Convention for the Rights of the persons with disabilities and vigorous process is on to replace the existing Disability Act – 1995 (Equal opportunities, Protection of the Rights and full participation) and amend National Trust Act – 1999, Rehabilitation Council of India Act – 1992 and Mental Health Act – 1987. All these Acts have one mandate - to remove discrimination and create inclusive society. But at gross-roots level things are quite contrary to all this.
Persons with disabilities are facing intense discrimination at all levels including education, employment, accessibility, and living independently in the community. There is social stigma stuck to severe disabilities, forcing such persons to live a dependent life. Anyhow handful of persons with disabilities, become successful in overcoming immense challenges.
There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in our state in comparison to many other states in the country. Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete in the normal schooling standards and examinations with the normal students with the same time available for normal students with good health. Almost all severe physically challenged students face painful conditions but they are bound to ignore the pain and face the exams with others. There is no special provision to accommodate students with loco-motor disabilities to take examination or attend classes .
Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain Degrees.
But at the time of employing the persons with disabilities the discrimination happens. The Circular No: 62-SW of 2001 Dated: 23-03-2001, has made us really handicapped. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment identifies teacher post for the Deaf, Mute, Blind, and for other severely disabled but here in our state such persons are dropped from the list with the only plea that the post of teacher has not been identified for them. It is very unfortunate that persons with either upper or both lower limb disabilities are not considered for any post here by the SSRB due to above mentioned circular.
Even officials with severe disabilities, like IAS and KAS officers, who are blind or have no upper or lower limbs have proved themselves fully capable. We have such cases to prove the point. Mr. Khursheed Malik served the state in capacity of Secretary in different departments on a wheel. He created a lasting impressions in the hearts of common people by serving the state with full dedication and honesty. Mr. Riyaz Beigh is serving the state as KAS officer. He has no upper working limbs, still he has been serving the people of state with dedication, commitment and dignity. In the same context Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat of Budran Budgam, working as teacher at Middle School in Kandhama, Beerwa, Budgam has been serving the masses like any other able bodied person. Mr. Tariq Bashir working as 10+2 lecturer in District Institute of Education and Training, Khanabal, Islamabad, was in the first attempt dropped as he applied for the post of teacher through SSRB. But later he was selected as 10+2 lecturer in History subject in the higher education department and is now posted at DIET Islamabad. He has changed the history and removed the stigma that blind people cannot teach.
Keeping such role models in view the above mentioned circular makes least sense. We are confused about the selection criteria formulated by the state in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities in J&K state. In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment .
On eve of this World Disability Day, Social Welfare Department needs to do some brain breaking on these issues.
Persons with disabilities spend more on their education and maintenance of life than normal people do. Because persons with severe disabilities, mainly using wheel chair, blind and dependent on crutches and other aids and appliance for their mobility can’t reach school and other places using normal transport. They have to spend a lot of time and money. Sometimes harsh climatic conditions keep them confined to home and they are unable to continue schooling. So they need additional tuitions to compete with other students. Sometimes a disabled student is 100% crippled thus fully dependent on high support needs. Like Mr. Waseem Feroz Matoo, whose mother carried him to the school and back home every time, from Nursery to class 8th. But even after completing B.A, B.Ed he was dropped from the Budgam teacher list with the only plea that his legs are disabled.
In 2010 a historic decision was passed by the double Bench in Apex Court (the Honorable Supreme Court of India) in case of Syed Bashir ud Din Qadri V/S State of J&K. Syed Bashir has been working as teacher in the Middle School Kanjinag, Awantipora in Pulwama District under Rehbar-e -Taleem scheme. He was disengaged on grounds that he is not using his arms and is not able to take food himself and cannot use the black board. But the honorable Supreme Court of India considered it as the severe case of discrimination under Article 22 of the JK persons with Disabilities Act 1998, guaranteeing equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation. Thus Orders were passed to reinstate syed Bashir who is presently working as teacher in the Kanjinag school .
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for persons with disabilities, under ministry of Labor and employment was established in premises of Government Polytechnic College, Srinagar, on September 14, 2005. So far only 50 candidates with disabilities were registered for different trades. 25 of the registered candidates completed the courses and rest were dropped. The budget spent in lakhs could only empower 25 candidates. (Information Sought under RTI application reply under No: F.No: VRC-(SN) 11025/01/07/672 Dated: 17/10/2011.)
National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation NHFDC is another institution established at national level for providing opportunities of generating livelihood for the youth with disabilities across the country. In other states persons with disabilities enjoy loan facilities from the institution and are doing their business independently to live a life with dignity. But our state through the J&K SC/ST/OBC Corporation as the channeling agency for NHFDC has created another record. This year applications received from disabled people have been ignored, not a single person was covered so far. Out of allocated Rs. 52.00 Lacs not a single penny has been released for our state due to state’s lenient approach towards the matter. Thus again the scheme is failure in J&K. (information sought under reply of RTI application under No: SCSTBC/corp./RTI Act/2011/2155-56. Dated 01/11/2011).
National Planning Commission has declared 3% budget allocations in the 11th five year plan for the benefit of persons with disabilities through all departments. But as per information sought under RTI applications nothing special has been allocated by Company Affairs and Public Distribution Department and Department of Science and Technology J&K government ( under RTI reply No: CAPD/Plan/RTI/36/2001 Dated 17/11/2011 & No:- ST/Adm/61/2011 Dated: 18/11/2011. Other 6 Ministries/ Departments of J&K state viz Health, Education, Finance, Higher Education, asked for same information have failed to respond so far. )
Country has recently started process for harmonizing disability law 1995 with the UN – convention on Rights of persons with disabilities but the state is still discriminating with persons with mental retardation, autism, mental illness and multiple disabilities by not bringing National Trust Act 1999. Members of Legislative Assembly and Council should look into these voids; why best Acts of country are not adopted.
The corporate sector in J&K is also neglecting persons with disabilities. Apart from inaccessible websites all banks have inaccessible banking system for persons with disabilities. No ATM in our state is accessible to severely disabled people. Job reservation is not given to persons with disabilities in corporate sector.
A huge number of people visit civil secretariat but the persons using wheel chairs are asked by the security to call official whom we want to meet there. We are treated indifferently by the security there. Is it possible for all officials to give their contact numbers to the disabled people and would all officials make it easier for us to meet them in the offices. I personally wrote about the problem to the Honorable Chief Minister’s grievance cell; but, who cares?
We are forced to lament, protest and observe this day as a black day.
Author is a social activist, and Honorary Chairman, Humanity Welfare Organisation HEPLINE NGO, J&K. Feedback at jsocialactivist@gmail.com.
World Disability Day 2011
HWO formulates programmes
WORLD DISABILITY DAY
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Srinagar, Nov 28: To observe the World Disability Day, Humanity Welfare Organization HELPline has formulated weeklong programmes in various districts across the Valley to highlight disability issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to HWO communiqué, the inaugural programme would be held on Thursday December 1, at SKICC at 11 AM.
Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon
Director Social Welfare, Hilal Ahmad Parray, Director SKICC, G N Qasba and Principal Sessions Judge Srinagar, Kaneez Fatima would attend the event.
As many 300 participants from the valley will participate in the programme, it said adding for the first time, 50 severe disable persons- wheel chair users would also attend the event.
The communiqué said that people working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities will be awarded during the programme, adding the disabled students of Zaiba Aapa Institute of inclusive Education Bijbehara would perform different educational and cultural activities.
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:30
WORLD DISABILITY DAY
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Nov 28: To observe the World Disability Day, Humanity Welfare Organization HELPline has formulated weeklong programmes in various districts across the Valley to highlight disability issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to HWO communiqué, the inaugural programme would be held on Thursday December 1, at SKICC at 11 AM.
Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon
Director Social Welfare, Hilal Ahmad Parray, Director SKICC, G N Qasba and Principal Sessions Judge Srinagar, Kaneez Fatima would attend the event.
As many 300 participants from the valley will participate in the programme, it said adding for the first time, 50 severe disable persons- wheel chair users would also attend the event.
The communiqué said that people working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities will be awarded during the programme, adding the disabled students of Zaiba Aapa Institute of inclusive Education Bijbehara would perform different educational and cultural activities.
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:30
World Disability Week Inaugral Ceremony at SKICC Srinagar
News: Media & Tech
Sakina for empowerment for differently abled children
by Vijay Kumar December 01, 2011
Srinagar, December 01(Scoop News) – The Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo today assured the socially abled community that Government is committed to redress their grievances and have launched several schemes for their welfare.
The Minister was addressing a gathering of specially abled persons held today at SKICC Srinagar at a function which was organized by Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline, Bijbehara, supported by Child Rights and You (CRY), MD, Hotel Residency MS Mall and other agencies. The theme of the function was “No discrimination but Inclusion”.
The Minister sought the help of the people particularly civil society senior citizens, for empowering this section as they are the part and parcel of the society. Highlighting the importance of organising such programmes she said that they provide opportunity to know the problems of this section and we as the part of the government and civil society must play our role in this direction, the Minister said.
Appreciating the efforts of the organiser for making such awareness conferences, the Minister said that they are doing a great human service to the mankind. She said that all the human being are equal before the Almighty and we must respect them wholeheartedly so that they may not feel isolated.
Ms. Sakina said that she has already issued direction to the officers of the social welfare department to listen the problems of these people humbly and redress their grievances on priority basis.
Referring of providing RAMPS and installation of lifts in the government institutions, Ms. Sakina said the directions have already been issued to these institutions including R&B for ensuring lift facility so that they may not suffer during their visit. She asked all the agencies for close coordination between them so that benefits could reach to this section and said there are already a good number of schemes in pipeline for the benefit of the disabled people which are being implemented.
On this occasion, Ms. Sakina said that under ISSS 68072 disabled people have been covered and under Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme, Rs. 28 lakh have been released during 2010-11. She also said that Rs. 26 lakh pre-matric scholarship and Rs 19 lakh post-matric scholarship have been provided to the students belonging to this section.
The Minister appealed to the common people to come forward for empowering them so that they may live with dignity and honour.
Addressing the gathering, District and Sessions Judge, Ms. Kaneez Fatima said that these children have extra ordinary qualities but we must encourage them for achieving excellence in life.
Earlier, the students presented a cultural programme and awards were presented to the students, concerned officers and agencies for the contribution of their cause.
Director Social Welfare and other senior officers present on the occasion.
Sakina for empowerment for differently abled children
by Vijay Kumar December 01, 2011
Srinagar, December 01(Scoop News) – The Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo today assured the socially abled community that Government is committed to redress their grievances and have launched several schemes for their welfare.
The Minister was addressing a gathering of specially abled persons held today at SKICC Srinagar at a function which was organized by Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline, Bijbehara, supported by Child Rights and You (CRY), MD, Hotel Residency MS Mall and other agencies. The theme of the function was “No discrimination but Inclusion”.
The Minister sought the help of the people particularly civil society senior citizens, for empowering this section as they are the part and parcel of the society. Highlighting the importance of organising such programmes she said that they provide opportunity to know the problems of this section and we as the part of the government and civil society must play our role in this direction, the Minister said.
Appreciating the efforts of the organiser for making such awareness conferences, the Minister said that they are doing a great human service to the mankind. She said that all the human being are equal before the Almighty and we must respect them wholeheartedly so that they may not feel isolated.
Ms. Sakina said that she has already issued direction to the officers of the social welfare department to listen the problems of these people humbly and redress their grievances on priority basis.
Referring of providing RAMPS and installation of lifts in the government institutions, Ms. Sakina said the directions have already been issued to these institutions including R&B for ensuring lift facility so that they may not suffer during their visit. She asked all the agencies for close coordination between them so that benefits could reach to this section and said there are already a good number of schemes in pipeline for the benefit of the disabled people which are being implemented.
On this occasion, Ms. Sakina said that under ISSS 68072 disabled people have been covered and under Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme, Rs. 28 lakh have been released during 2010-11. She also said that Rs. 26 lakh pre-matric scholarship and Rs 19 lakh post-matric scholarship have been provided to the students belonging to this section.
The Minister appealed to the common people to come forward for empowering them so that they may live with dignity and honour.
Addressing the gathering, District and Sessions Judge, Ms. Kaneez Fatima said that these children have extra ordinary qualities but we must encourage them for achieving excellence in life.
Earlier, the students presented a cultural programme and awards were presented to the students, concerned officers and agencies for the contribution of their cause.
Director Social Welfare and other senior officers present on the occasion.
World Disability Week Celebrations in Kashmir
Differently-abled people observe 'black day' in Kashmir
WORLD DISABILITY DAY
MANZOOR-UL-HASSAN
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Srinagar, Dec 3: On the World Disability Day on Monday, differently-abled people observed ‘black day’ to protest what they termed as Government’s discriminatory approach towards resolution of their demands and failure to implement special legislations for their upliftment.
The differently-abled people assembled under the banner of Voluntary Medicare Society J&K in Lal Chowk and marched towards Press Enclave. Holding placards in their hands, they expressed strong resentment over the Government’s indifferent attitude towards them.
“I move slowly so I can enjoy every single moment of my life; we don’t want charity, we don’t want kindness… we want education and opportunity,” one the placards read
The differently-abled persons from Kashmir demanded that the Government should implement Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 in letter and spirit.
“We don’t need meager amount of Rs 400 as monthly pension but employment and education which is our basic right. The Act guarantees us a dignified life. Discriminatory attitude of Government towards us forced us to observe this day as black day,” said Javed Ahmad Tak, honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara.
Tak said there is confusion about the selection criteria formulated by the Government in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities.
“In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment. There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material,” he said.
He said there is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in J&K for disabilities.
Representatives of NGOs which work for welfare of the differently-abled persons said that no purpose would be served by merely observing the World Disability Day.
“Serving buns and juice to the disabled won’t serve any purpose. Government should come out with an action plan for their betterment. This horrible attitude of Government officials and peoples’ representatives is condemnable,” they said.
A group of differently-abled children of Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education also organized a candle light rally at Press Enclave in the evening to highlight their problems. Holding candles, they shouted slogans demanding their rights of education, employement and accessibility.
They also demanded introduction of Braille system of education and sign language in Government Schools.
Pertinently, according to a survey conducted by the School Education Department at least 1,863 children are living with disability in Srinagar out of which nearly 300 children are non-school goers.
“It is due to non-implementation of inclusive mechanism in educational institutions,” said Urfana Amin, a government teacher and a key resources person Inclusive Education for district Srinagar.
She said the structural and architectural barriers in educational institutions made parents reluctant to send their differently able wards for getting educations.
“Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain degrees. So we need to encourage them,” she said.
Project Head Humanity Welfare Organisation said the National Trust Act should be implemented in J&K. “It’ll cater the persons with mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism,” he said.
WORLD DISABILITY DAY
MANZOOR-UL-HASSAN
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Dec 3: On the World Disability Day on Monday, differently-abled people observed ‘black day’ to protest what they termed as Government’s discriminatory approach towards resolution of their demands and failure to implement special legislations for their upliftment.
The differently-abled people assembled under the banner of Voluntary Medicare Society J&K in Lal Chowk and marched towards Press Enclave. Holding placards in their hands, they expressed strong resentment over the Government’s indifferent attitude towards them.
“I move slowly so I can enjoy every single moment of my life; we don’t want charity, we don’t want kindness… we want education and opportunity,” one the placards read
The differently-abled persons from Kashmir demanded that the Government should implement Jammu and Kashmir Persons with Disabilities Act 1998 in letter and spirit.
“We don’t need meager amount of Rs 400 as monthly pension but employment and education which is our basic right. The Act guarantees us a dignified life. Discriminatory attitude of Government towards us forced us to observe this day as black day,” said Javed Ahmad Tak, honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organization Helpline Bijbehara.
Tak said there is confusion about the selection criteria formulated by the Government in making recruitments through SSRB and PSC for the persons with disabilities.
“In other states flawless policies and SROs exist to help the persons with disabilities of all sorts to seek education and employment. There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material,” he said.
He said there is no feasible curriculum available with the State Board and the Universities in J&K for disabilities.
Representatives of NGOs which work for welfare of the differently-abled persons said that no purpose would be served by merely observing the World Disability Day.
“Serving buns and juice to the disabled won’t serve any purpose. Government should come out with an action plan for their betterment. This horrible attitude of Government officials and peoples’ representatives is condemnable,” they said.
A group of differently-abled children of Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education also organized a candle light rally at Press Enclave in the evening to highlight their problems. Holding candles, they shouted slogans demanding their rights of education, employement and accessibility.
They also demanded introduction of Braille system of education and sign language in Government Schools.
Pertinently, according to a survey conducted by the School Education Department at least 1,863 children are living with disability in Srinagar out of which nearly 300 children are non-school goers.
“It is due to non-implementation of inclusive mechanism in educational institutions,” said Urfana Amin, a government teacher and a key resources person Inclusive Education for district Srinagar.
She said the structural and architectural barriers in educational institutions made parents reluctant to send their differently able wards for getting educations.
“Students facing disability by birth are carried by their parents to the class room and taken back home. Neither there is any support system nor any reasonable accommodation available for such students. Still a number of severe disabled students overcome these challenges and attain degrees. So we need to encourage them,” she said.
Project Head Humanity Welfare Organisation said the National Trust Act should be implemented in J&K. “It’ll cater the persons with mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism,” he said.
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